Plural-counter computing machine



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CLEAR. S\G1NI ADDED AMovNT SUBTRHCT SPAQING; STROKE COUNTER k" GRAND TOTAL SPAUNG- STROKE COUNTER Y5 GRAND TOTAL @REDn- BALANCE) Patented Feb. 13, 1934 UNITED STATES PLURAL-COUNTER COMPUTING MACHINE Oscar J. Sundstrand, Rockford, Ill., assignor to Sundstrand Corporation, Wilmington, Del., a corporation of Delaware Application November 29, 1927, Serial No.

236,575. Renewed May 2, 1932 33 Claims.

This invention relates to computing machines comprising two or more counters, registers or totalizers. Among the objects of the invention are to provide a machine of this class which shall be adapted for direct subtraction as well as addition; to provide a machine in which any of the counters may be used for direct subtraction; to provide improved means whereby all of the counters may be used at the same time, if desired; to provide improved transfer mechanism for use with plural counters; to provide improved means for selecting the counter or counters to be used; to provide means for preventing operation of said selecting means after the subtraction key has been depressed; to provide means in connection with the counter-selecting means to compel the taking of a blank stroke before the total accumulated in the selected counter is printed; and to provide improved means for printing signals to indicate the nature of the various amounts printed on the sheet or tape, as, for example, to show whether the item has been added or subtracted or non-added, to show in which counter the item was added or subtracted, to denote whether a given total is a subtotal or a final total, to indicate from which counter the total was obtained, to show whether the total is a positive or a negative amount, and to indicate that the respective counters are clear.

In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate one of various possible embodiments of the invention,

Figure 1 is a fragmental vertical sectional view of the machine, the latter being at rest or initial position, and being set for use of both counters.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the keyboard.

Fig. 3 is a fragmental right-hand side elevation, the parts being in the same condition as in Fig. 1.

Figs. 4 and 5 are detail views of the link'141 and one of the levers 139, respectively.

Figs. 6 and 7 are detail views of the links 137 and 137 comprised in the means-for moving the counters into and out of mesh with the racks.

Fig. 8 is a vertical sectional view of the computing mechanism, the mechanism being set for use of both counters, and both counters being clear.

Fig. 9 is a detail view of one of the transfer members.

Fig. 9 is a detail view of one of the rack-supporting pawls.

Fig. 10 is an underside view of one of the rackguiding bars.

Fig. 11 is an elevation of the upper counter, looking from the front of the machine.

Fig. 12 is a plan section of the lower counter and the transfer mechanisms, the racks being omitted.

Fig. 13 is a similar view of the upper counter.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of one of the parts comprised in the means for maintaining the upper computing mechanism in position for the printing of a positive total.

Fig. 15 is a fragmental perspective view of the upper computing mechanism, illustrating the means for automatically introducing the fugitive 1".

Fig. 16 is a fragmentai side view of certain 01 the parts of said means.

Fig. 1'? is a fragmental side elevation of the machine, the handle being on the returnstroke, printing having just been effected, and addition being about to occur in both counters.

Fig. 18 is a detail view of a slide comprised in the means for moving the counters into and out of mesh with the racks.

Fig. 19 is a detail view of a cam included in said means.

Fig. 20 is a fragmental side elevation, the handle being on the return stroke, an item having just been printed, and said item being about to be subtracted in both counters.

Fig. 21 is a fragmental side view of the means for shifting the counter-reciprocating means from adding position to subtracting position and vice versa.

Fig. 22 is a fragmental transverse view of certain parts comprised in the signal-printing means.

Fig. 23 is a side view of one of the parts shown in Fig. 22.

Fig. 24 is a side view of the signal-printing means.

Fig. 25 is a fragmental rear edge view of the signal-printing type bar.

Figs. 26 and 2'7 are detail views of parts comprised in the signal-printing means.

. Fig. 28 is a detail view of a bell crank comprised in the means for selecting the counter or counters to be used.

Fig. 28 is an upper edge view of said bell crank.

Fig. 29 is a fragmental view of one of the parts comprised in the signal-printing means and in the means for locking the counter-selecting means. i

Fig. 29 is a fragmental view of another element included in the signal-printing means.

Fig. 30 is a fragmental view of the total-taking mechanism.

Fig. 31 is a tragmental side elevation of the no machine, a final total being about to be taken from the lower counter.

Fig. 32 is a detail view of one of the parts comprised in the total-taking means.

Fig. 33 is a fragmental side elevation of the means for selecting the counter or counters to be used, and illustrating the position assumed when the lower counter is in use for addition or total-taking.

Fig. 34 is a similar view, but showing the position assumed when the upper counter is in use for addition or total-taking.

Fig. 35 is a fragmental side elevation, the subtotal key having been depressed preparatory to taking a subtotal from the upper counter.

Fig. 36 is a fragmental view of certain parts shown in Fig. 35.

Fig. 36' is a view of certain parts comprised in the means to enforce the taking of a blank stroke.

Fig. 36'' is a view of other parts included in said means.

Fig. 37 is a fragmental left-hand side elevation of the machine.

Fig. 38 is a fragmental plan view.

Fig. 38' is a front end view of the link 341.

Fig. 39 is a fragmental right-hand side elevation of certain means for controlling the upper counter.

Fig. 40 is a fragmental plan view of the means for enforcing the taking of a blank stroke.

Fig. 41 is a fragmental front end view of the machine.

Fig. 42 is a view of a specimen of work produced upon the machine, and illustrating the capabilities of the latter.

The invention is herein disclosed as embodied in a machine of the general character disclosed in the Sundstrand Patent No. 1,198,487 and in my application Serial No. 670,665, filed October 25, 1923, although it will be understood that the invention is not limited to machines of that type. Reference may be made to the above mentioned patent and application for an understanding of features not fully illustrated or described herein. (British Patent No. 223,866 corresponds to said U. 8. application Serial No. 670,665.)

The machine herein described is especially designed for bookkeeping work, but various features of the machine are adapted for use in plain listing.

The sheet or tape on which records are to be made may be supported by means including a cylindrical platen 2. The printing of numerals is effected by means of vertically reciprocatory type bars 3 which are raised and lowered by means including arms 10 loosely mounted on a shaft 12.

Rigid with each arm 10 is an arm 13 which is yieldingly connected through helically coiled contractile springs 14 to a rod 15. The latter is carried by two side members 16, one at each side of the machine, said side members being guided for approximately vertical movement by a transverse rod 17 (Fig. 17) fixed in the framework of the machine, said rod extending through elongated openings 18 in the side members 16. Pivoted to the ends of the side members 16 are two levers 19 (Figs. 17, 37 and 39) which aremounted in the framework of the machine to swing on the axis 19 (Fig. 1). Links 23 (Figs. 1 and 37) are pivoted at 23 to the lower ends of the levers 19, the forward ends of said links being pivoted to two crank arms 24 and 25 fixed to opposite ends of the main rock shaft 26. The shaft 26 is arranged to be rocked by means of a handle or crank 27 mounted to swing uponthe axis 28, said handle being connected to the arm 24 by suitable means, as, for example, that disclosed in the Sundstrand Patent No. 1,611,390. It will, of course, be understood that an electric motor may be used to rock the shaft 26, if desired.

When the operator pulls the handle 27 forward, the crank arms 24 and 25 swing upwardly. thereby drawing the lower ends of the levers 19 forwardly and moving the side members 16 and the rod 15 downwardly. The movement of the rod 15 is yieldingly transmitted through the springs 14 and the arms 13 and 10 to such of the bars 3 as are at liberty to rise. When the operator releases the handle upon the completion of the forward stroke, means of any usual or preferred character return the handle to its normal position (shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1). The means for restoring the type bars to their normal down position may be of any well known or preferred construction, as, for example, that disclosed in my application Serial No. 670,665, said means including a universal bar 29.

The means herein shown for limiting the extent to which the type bars 3 may rise and thus determining which numerals shall be brought to the printing position, comprises a stationary group of stops 42 (Fig. 1), such as those described in the Sundstrand Patents Nos. 1,198,487 and 1,583,102. As fully disclosed in Patent No. 1,583,102, those type bars 3 which are not needed in printing a given item are prevented from rising when the handle is pulled forward, by a detent plate 48" (Figs. 35 and 40) guided to move in a horizontal plane, said plate being connected through a bar 48 to a rigid frame 48 (Figs. 3, 35 and 40). The frame 48 is mounted to swing on the axis 48 and is normally impelled forward by contractile springs 48, only one of which is shown in the present drawings. When the detent plate 48 is in its rearward position it over lies pins 46 (Figs. 1 and 35) connected to the numeral type bars 3 and thus prevents the printing of a total.

The keyboard is shown in Fig. 2. 49 are the numeral keys by means of which numbers are set up in the group of stops.

As shown in Fig. 8, the computing mechanism comprises two counters located between two sets of racks. Each counter comprises a series of pinions 125 rotatably mounted upon a transverse shaft 126. The shaft 126 is supported for sliding movement to carry the counter into and out of engagement with the racks. For this purpose the ends of the shaft are extended through elongated openings 127 (Figs. 11 and 12) in plates 128 which form part of the stationary framework of the machine. Each counter is arranged to be moved into mesh with either set of racks 129 and 130, but both counters are never in mesh with the racks 129 at the same time, nor are both counters ever in engagement with the racks 130 at the same time.

The upper counter is rotated by the racks 130 in addition and positive total-taking, and by the racks 129 in subtraction and negative total-taking. The lower counter is rotated by the racks 129 in addition and positive total-taking and by the racks 130 in subtraction and negative total-taking.

The upper end of each rack is attached to a rearwardly extending portion 131 (Figs. 1 and 8) on one of the type bars 3 by means of aheaded pin or stud 132 extending through avertically elongated opening 133 in the rack. A contractile spring 134 attached at its upper the spring 134 tends to turn the rack on the stud 132 as a pivot and thus serves to hold the rack in place in its guide groove 136 However, in order to prevent the rack from being pulled out of place in case the pinion teeth should stick thereto when the pinion is being moved to central position between the sets of racks, I provide a bar 136 (Fig. 8) fixed in the framework and extending adjacent to and transversely of the racks.

Each counter is moved into and out of mesh with the racks by means of two links, one on each side of the counter, the links for the upper counter being marked 137 in Figs. 3, 6, 8, 31 and 37, and the links for the lower counter being designated as 137 in Figs. 3, 7, 8, 31 and 37. The forward ends of said links have bearings 137 to receive the ends of the shafts 126. The rear ends of the links 137 are pivoted at 138 to the lower arms of two levers 139 (Figs. 3 and 5) which are rigidly secured to a shaft 140 journaled in the framework of the machine. Similarly the rear ends of the links 137 are pivoted at 138 to the upper arms of two levers 139 which are rigidly secured to a shaft 140 journaled in the machine frame. When the lever 139 or 139 is in upright position, the corresponding counter is in neutral position. When the lever swings clockwise out of such upright position the counter moves into mesh with one set of racks. When the lever swings counterclockwise out of upright position the counter moves into mesh with the other set of racks.

The means for swinging the levers 139 and 139 into and out of upright position, to move the counters into and out of mesh with the racks, comprises two links 141 and 141 (Figs. 3, 4, 17, 20, 31 and 34). In the forward end of each of said links is an elongated opening 142 to receive headed studs 143 on a slide 144 (Fig. 18).

The slide 144 is suspended for reciprocation longitudinally of the machine by means of two links 145 (Fig. 3) which are pivoted at their lower ends to the slide at 146 (Fig. 18) and are pivoted at their upper ends to the right-hand plate 128. The lower portion of the slide 144 is held against lateral displacement by means of a rod 147 (Fig. 17) having a peripheral groove 148 therein to receive the portion 149 of the slide. The forward portion of the slide 144 is pivoted at 150 (Figs. 3, 17, 18, 20 and 31) to a. link 151 I which in turn is pivoted to a bracket 152 which is pivoted to the framework of the machine at 153. The rear end of the link 141 (Fig. 4) is provided with notches 154 and 155 (Fig. 3) to receive pins 156 and 157, respectively, on opposite ends of the right-hand lever 139. Rearwardly of the notches 154 and 155 are lugs158 and 159, respectively, which serve to prevent disengagement of the lever 139 from the link 141. Forwardly of the notches 154 and 155' are curved surfaces as adapted to slide in contact with the pins 156 and 157. The rear portion of the link 141 is similar to the corresponding portion of the link 141 and the same reference numerals are used in the drawings, with the addition of the exponent a. The pins on the right-hand lever 139 are designated 156 and 157 The rear ends of the links 141 and 141 move vertically in unison into and out of engagement with the pins 156, 157, 156 and 157, said linksbeing connected by means of a cross link 160 (Figs. 3, 17, 20 and 31).

The links 141 and 141 are moved forward and back by means including an oscillatory cam plate 161 (Figs. 17, 19,20, 31 and 35) having a cam slot 162 therein, the upper portion of said slot being concentric with the axis 163 of said cam plate. On the forward end of the link 151 is a roller 164 that lies in the slot 162. .A contractile spring 165 (Fig. 3) connected to the bracket 152 and to the machine frame holds the roller 164 against the front wall of the cam slot 162. Thetension of the spring overcomes the weight of the cam 161 and the bracket 152, and thus prevents the weight of these parts from causing the counters to move out of central position.

The means for oscillating the cam 161 comprises a pawl 166 (Figs. 17, 20 and 35) which is pivoted at 167 upon a plate 168 that is rigidly secured to the arm 24. A contractile spring 169 is connected at one end to an extension of the pawl 166 and at its other end to the plate 168. The pawl 166 has a shoulder 166 to engage a pin 170 set in the cam 161 at one side of its axis 163, and another shoulder 16G adapted to engage a pin 171 fixed in the cam 161 on the opposite side of its axis. There is a guide finger 172 on the pawl between the shoulders referred to, said guide finger extending into the space between the pins 170 and 171 so as to strike said pins as the arm 24 swings, whereby the pawl is swung to one side or the other of its pivot.

When a number is to be added or subtracted the pawl 166 is permitted to engage the pins 170 and 171 so as to swing the cam 161 to effect movement of the counter or counters into and out of mesh with the racks.

When a total is to be printed, the pawl 166 is not permitted to engage the pin 170, consequently the cam 161 is not moved during the forward stroke of the handle 27, and the counter from which the total is to be printed remains in mesh with the racks during the rising of the latter, thereby effecting the positioning of the type bars for the printing of the total.

The means for controlling engagement of the pawl 166 with the pin 170 comprises an arm 173 (Fig. 35) pivoted at 174 in the machine frame, the upper end of said arm having an angular lug 175 adapted to hold the pawl 166 out of positionto engage said pin. In the arm 173 is an elongated opening 176 in which lies a pin 177 fixed to the swinging frame 48. As explained in the Sundstrand Patents Nos. 1,198,487 and 1,583,102, after a spacing or total cycle and until a number has been set up in the group of stops 42, the frame 48 is in its forward position. As soon as a digit is set up in the machine the 'frame 48 swings back, thereby swinging the arm 173 rearwardly away from the pawl 166 and leaving said pawl in position to engage the pin 170 when the handle 27 is pulled. When a total is to be printed, the frame 46 is in its forward position, and the pawl 166 is held out of engagement with the pin 170,

consequently the cam 161 is not moved during the forward stroke of the handle 27, and the counter remains in mesh with the racks during the rise of the latter, thereby effecting the positioning of the type bars for the printing of the total.

In the construction herein shown, the taking of a subtotal is not automatically effected by merely pulling the handle 27. A subtotal key 180 (Figs. 3, 31 and 35) has been provided, on the stem of which key is a pin 181 that overlies an arm 182 which is pivoted at 183. Rigid with the arm 182 is an arm 184 to which is pivoted the forward end of a slide 185. The rear end of said slide is guided by a guide member 186 fixed to the main frame of the machine and by a grooved collar 187 on the rod 147. The slide 185 comprises a lug 188 (Fig. 36) which lies in front of a pin 189 on the swinging frame 48. A spring 190 acting upon the arm 182 tends to move the slide 185 rearwardly so as to swing the frame 48 rearwardly against the tension of the springs 48 to place the detent plate 48 in position to prevent the type bars from rising. It will be seen that in order to take a subtotal it is necessary to depress the subtotal key 180 so that the springs 48 may be permitted to move the detent plate 48* out of the position in which it prevents the type bars from rising.

To hold the subtotal key 180 depressed Iprovide a lever 191 (Fig. 35) which is pivoted on the axis 183. said lever being forked at 192 to receive a pin 193 on the stem of the subtotal key.- The lever 191 extends forward into position to underlie a finger 194 which is fixed to one end of a pivot shaft 195. On the other end of the shaft 195 is a finger 196 (Fig. 37) which is acted upon by a contractile spring 197. The lower end of the finger 196 normally bears against a roller 198 carried by a slide bar 199 that corresponds to the slide bar 72 of Patent No. 1,198,487. In the return stroke of the handle the bar 199 is moved forward far enough to release the lever 191, whereupon the subtotal key 180 is restored to its upward position. It will be understood that if desired, means may be provided for permanently holding the subtotal key 180 depressed, in which event subtotals will be obtained automatically, as described in Patents Nos. 1,198,487 and 1,583,102 after the taking of a spacing stroke of the handle 27.

When the operator wishes to take a final total the counter is withdrawn from the racks before the latter descend. The means for swinging the cam 161 to effect such movement of the counter comprises a lever 200 (Figs. 17, 20 and 35) pivoted on the shaft 26 and having a cam slot 201 in which lies a roller 202 on the cam 161. The lever 200 has an arm 203 which is arranged to be engaged by a pin 204 on the arm 24. The means for swinging the lever 200 forward to disengage the counter from the racks is controlled by a total key 205 (Fig. 31) having a stem 206. On the stem 206 is a lug 206 (Fig. 30) adapted to be engaged by the latch finger 194 to latch the total key down. On the stem 206 is an angular lug 207 (Fig. 30) that overlies the arm 182. The key stem 206 also has a stud 208 that underlies the forward end of a lever 209 (Fig. 31). Said lever has an elongated opening 210 through which a pivot rod 211 extends, the lever 209 thus being movable longitudinally to a slight extent. A contractile spring 212 tends to slide the lever 209 rearwardly. 213 is a contractile spring stretched between a pin on the stem 206 and the front end of the lever 209, said spring tending to hold the pin 208 and the lever 209 in contact with each other. During the printing of an item and during the enforced blank or spacing stroke prior to'the taking of a total, the lever 209 is held against movement by the spring 213 by means comprising a cam plate 214 (Fig. 31) which is pivoted adjacent the rear end of the machine at 215 and is acted upon by a contractile spring 216. On the rear end of the lever 209 is a pin 217 underlying the cam plate 214. The surface 214 of the cam plate 214 is arranged to be engaged by a stud 218 on the inner side of the right-hand lever 19. The movement of the cam plate 214 under the influence of the spring 216 is restrained at times by a detent arm 219 (Figs. 31 and 35) pivoted at 220 in the framework of the machine. A contractile spring 221 normally holds the lower edge 219 of the arm 219 in contact with the stud 218. On the detent arm 219 is a pin 222 adapted to engage a hook 223 on the cam plate 214. At times the detent arm 219 is prevented from moving (under the influence of the spring 221) into position where the pin 222 is in front of the hook 223, by means of a pin 224 on an arm 225 which is rigid with the arm 173. The upper end of the detent arm 219 is cut away so as to clear the pin 224 when the arm 175 is in its rearward position (as it is when an item has been set up or an enforced blank stroke is to be taken).

A detent plate 226 (Fig. 32) pivoted on the center 215 has a cam slot 227 having a dwell portion 228 in which the stud 218 is arranged to run. That portion of the pin 217 which projects from the inner side of the lever 209 underlies the plate 226. In the lower edge of the plate 226 is a notch 229.

It will be remembered that the stud 218 is con nected to swing back and forth with the handle 27. Even if the total key 205 were held depressed while the handle was being drawn forward to print an item or take an enforced blank stroke, the lever 209 would be held against movement by the spring 213 by the cam plate 214 overlying the pin 217; the spring 216 in turn being prevented from moving the cam plate 214 by means of the pin 222. But after the blank stroke has been taken, the swinging frame 48 and consequently the arm 225 are in their forward positions (as shown in Fig. 35), and therefore if the total key 205 be depressedthe cam plate 214 is free to swing counterclockwise as the stud 218 moves forward, away from the edge 214 in the forward stroke of the handle 27, until the pin 217 on the rear end of the lever 209 has risen under the influence of the spring 213 un il said pin 217 is in a locking notch 230 in the cam plate 214. The parts are then in the position shown in Fig. 31, the handle 27 being at the end of its forward stroke, the spring 213 having drawn the forward end of the lever 209 down against the pin 208. The pin 217 does not enter the notch 230 until the movement of the cam plate 226 under the action of the stud 218 has brought the notch 229 into register with said pin 217, whereupon the spring 213 causes the pin 217 to enter the notches ,229 and 230. Very shortly after the handle 27 has commenced its return stroke the stud 218, acting on the Walls of the cam slot 227, swings the plate 226 downwardly, thus pushing the pin 217 and the lever 209 forwardly. On the lever 209 is a shoulder 231 (Fig. 31) which moves into place directly behind a pin 232 on the lever 200 when the lever 209 is tilted by the spring 213. When the lever 209 is pushed forward by the plate 226 the shoulder 231 pushes the lever 200 7 forward, thereby swinging the cam 161 upwardly,

and thus pulling forward the slide 144 and the such lugs.

the racks. As before indicated, this occurs during the early part of the return movement of the handle 27 and. before the racks descend, the pinions being therefore left standing at zero.

.As the stud 218 continues on its return stroke, it strikes the edge 214 and swings the plate 214 against the tension of the spring 216, the lower edge of said plate positively camming the pin 217 down and thus (in conjunction with the spring 2l2)restoring the lever 209 to its initial or inoperative position. As the arm 24 returns to its initial position the pin 204 thereon engages the arm 203 and restores the lever 200 to its initial position (see Fig. 35).

Non-add mechanism of any preferred character may be employed as, for example, that disclosed in my application Serial No. 670,665. Herein the total key 205 also serves as the non-add key.

The transfer mechanism is best shown in Figs. 8 to 16. There is a set of transfer devices associated with the racks 130 to carry amounts from one numerical order to the next higher order, and a similar set of transfer devices for the racks 129. It has been stated that the type bars are moved to their normal lower position by the rod 29 (Fig. l). The extent of the'downward movement of the type bars is determined by the extent of downward movement of said rod. The extent of downward movement of the tens and higher racks is limited (except in the transfer operation) by contact of lugs 235 (Fig. 8) on the racks with stop lugs 236. When an amount is to be transferredfrom one order to the next higher order the stop lug 236 for the rack belonging to such higher order is withdrawn, thereby allowing that rack to descend under the action of its spring 134 until its lug 235 stops against the cross bar 237 fixed in the machine frame. The extent of such further descent of the rack is just sufficient to turn the pinion for that rack.

through the distance of one tooth. Each stop lug 236 is formed on an arm or pawl 238 (Figs. 8 and 9 which is suspended from a pivot 239 in the machine frame. Since both counters are never in mesh with the same set of racks at any given time, it is practicable to arrange for the tripping of the pawls 238 by either counter. This is effected by means including transfer members 240 (Figs. 8 and 9) each having an upper lug 241 adapted to be engaged by lugs 242 on a pinion in the upper counter, and a lower lug 241 arranged to be engaged by a pinion in the lower counter. In the present instance, two diametrically opposite lugs 242 are fixed to each pinion because each pinion has twenty teeth. For the sake of uniformity in manufacture, the pinion of highest order in the upper counter is provided with tripping lugs 242, as shown in Fig. 13, although there is no rack to be moved through the medium of As indicated in Fig. 13, the upper lug 241 is'omitted from the member 240 that would otherwise be tripped by the pinion of highest order.

The lower ends of the transfer members 240 are mounted upon cross rods 243, and their upper transfer members 240. The springs 246 normally hold the members 240 up in the position shown in Fig. 8.

When the amount registered by a pinion reaches 9, continued rotation of the pinion as the rack descends brings one of the lugs 242 on the pinion against the lug 241 on the transfer member which is connected to the pawl 238 for the next higher rack, thereby depressing the transfer member 240 until the shoulder 247 is clear of the bar 237, whereupon the spring 246, assisted by the downward pressure of said next higher rack, pulls the transfer member 240 and the pawl.238 away from the last-mentioned rack until the transfer member 240 stops against a restoring rod 249. The lug 236 is then out of the path of said rack of next higher order, and the latter therefore moves down one tooth-space under the influence of its spring 134, the rack being stopped by the bar 237.

After each transfer operation the pawl 238 and the transfer member 240 are restored to their normal position by the rod 249, there being one such restoring rod for each of the sets of transfer mechanisms. Each rod 249 is carried by two bell crank levers 250 which are pivoted in the framework of the machine on the axis 239. The bell crank levers at each side of the machine are connected for simultaneous swinging movement by a pin-and-slot connection, as shown at 251 in Fig. 8. The restoring rods 249 are simultaneously moved toward and away from each other by means of two arms 252 each formed integral with one of the bell crank levers 250, said arms 252 extending into the space between the side members 16 (Figs. 17 and 20). A rod 253, the ends of which lie in elongated openings 254 in the side members 16, is normally held against the lower end walls of said openings by means of two springs 255. When the side members 16 move downwardly in the forward stroke of the handle 27, the rod 253 is carried into engagement with the arms 252, thereby causing the rods 249 to move toward each other to restore any transfer members 240 and pawls 238 which may have been concerned in a previous transfer operation. When the side members 16 rise, a contractile spring 256 (Fig. 8) returns the rods 249 to the normal position shown in said view. Such normal position is determined by contact of one of the bell crank levers 250 with one of the bars 136".

When the type bars are raised for a printing operation, the racks do not begin to rise until the studs 132 engage the upper ends of the elongated openings 133. Those racks, however, which have descended below the normal position in order to effect transfers, rise practically simultaneously with the type bars and thus are lifted before the stop lugs 236 are restored to normal position by the rods 249. So also the movement imparted to the type bars during the enforced spacing stroke of'the handle 27 is sufficient to raise the lugs 235 to permit the placing of the stop lugs 236 thereunder.

It may be here stated that when any pinion stands at zero, one of the lugs 242 on said pinion lies directly beneath one of the lugs 241 (see Fig. 8). Therefore, when a total is to be printed, those racks which mesh with pinions that stand at zero cannot rise. the remaining racks rising until the rotation of their pinions brings the lugs 242 thereon into contact with their respective lugs 241. The type bars are then in position to print the total amount accumulated on the counter. 1

It will be noted that the transfer members 240 are arranged for pivotal movement on the axis of the rods 243, and are arranged for downward movement to disengage the shoulder'247 from the cross bar 237. Each rod 243 is located relatively close to the vertical planes of the pinion shafts so that the pivotal movement imparted to the transfer member 240 by the spring 246 shall carry the lower lug 241 away from the adjacent pinion without any rising movement of said lug 241. I

Either or both counters may be in use at the same time. The means for determining which counter shall be in use, or whether both shall be used, comprises a slide 280 (Figs. 3 and 33) mounted on the slide 144 for vertical movement with reference to said slide. In the present instance, the slide 280 is guided by means of headed studs 281 on the slide 144, said studs lying within vertically elongated opening 282 in the slide 280. On the upper end of the slide 280 is a cam surface 283 adapted to coact with the forward end of the link 141. The slide 280 also has a cam surface 284 to coact with the forward end of the link 141'. A contractile spring 285 connected to the link 160 urges the links 141 and 141* toward the slide 280.

When the slide 280 is in the position shown in Fig. 34, the link 141 is in position to move the upper counter into and out of mesh with the racks 130 as the slide 144 is moved back and forth by the earn 161. The movement of the slide 144 is imparted to the link 141 through the slide 280, the spring 285 holding the forward end of the link 141 against the vertical rear edge of the slide 280. In this adjustment of the slide 280, the link 141 does not receive any movement from the slide 144, as the lower stud 143 moves idly in the elongated opening 142. The spring 285 holds the link 141 forward as far as possible, that is to say, the lugs 158- and 159' lie in contact with both of the pins 156 and 157, thereby holding the lever 139' in its upright position, wherein the lower counter is in neutral position.

Fig. 33 shows the slide 280 in its lower position wherein the link 141' is caused to move with the slide 144 so as to move the lower counter into and out of mesh with the racks 129, the link 141 being idle as explained in connection with the link 141- in Fig. 34.

Fig. 3 shows the slide 280 in its central position wherein it serves to hold both links 141 and 141 stationary with reference to the slide 144, the reciprocation of the slide 144 causing the upper counter to move into and out of mesh with the racks 130, and causing the lower counter to move into and out of mesh with the racks 129.

The means for shifting the slide 280 into any of its three positions comprises a member 286 (Figs. 24 and 28) in the nature of a bell crank lever, said member being pivoted on the axis of the rod 147. The member 286 carries a pin 438 (Fig. 28) that lies in a horizontally elongated notch 288 (Figs. 24 and 33) in the slide 280. The member 286 is pivoted at 289 to the rear end of a link 290, the forward end of which is pivoted at 291 to a bell crank 292 pivoted at 293. One arm of the bell crank 292 is provided with a finger knob 294. Said arm extends through a slot 294' (Fig. 41) in a plate which is inscribed to indicate which counters are in use. In the present embodiment of the invention, the lower counter is designated Counter A and is in use for addition, subtraction or total-taking when the finger knob 294 is in its upper position. The upper counter is designated "Counter B" and is in use for addition, subtraction or total-taking when the finger knob 294 is in its lower position. When the finger knob is in central position, both counters are in use for addition or subtraction. The adjusting means just described is yieldingly held in any of its three positions by means of a latch 295 (Fig. 24) which is pivoted at 296 on the slide 144. Said latch is provided with three notches 297 to receive a stud 298 on the slide 280. A contractile spring 299 holds the latch 295 yieldingly in engagement with the stud 298.

When the upper counter is used for subtraction, it cooperates with the racks 129. When the lower counter is employed for subtraction, it coacts with the racks 130. Both counters may be used at the same time for addition; or both counters may be used at the same time for subtraction.

It will be noted that in Figs. 3, l7 and 31 the links 141 and 141- are in engagement with the lower pins 157 and 157 on the levers 139 and 139.

Referring now more particularly to the means for controlling the machine during operations involving subtraction: Such control necessitates the shifting of the links 141 and 141* into position to engage the upper pins 156 and'156 on the levers 139 and 139'. It will be seen that such shifting of the links will cause shifting of the field of reciprocation of the counters so that they move into and out of mesh with the other set of racks. Compare Figs. 1 and 20.

The means for shifting the links 141 and 141" from the addition plane to the subtraction plane comprises a lever 300 (Fig. 21) pivoted at 301 in the machine frame and having a forked rear end 302 which engages the pin 303 that serves to connect the link 160 to the link 141. The lever 300 has a downwardly extending arm carrying a headed stud 304 (Fig. 38) which extends into a horizontally elongated opening 305 in a link 306. A contractile spring 307 connected at one end to the lever 300 and anchored at its other end to the rear end of the link 306 tends to move the pin 304 against the rear end wall of the slot 305. The spring 307 thus tends to raise the lever 300 so as to shift the links 141 and 141- into the subtracting position. The spring 307 is controlled by means including a subtraction key 308 (Fig. 20) having a stem 309 which is guided for vertical movement. A contractile spring 310 normally holds the subtraction key elevated. On the stem 309 is a pin 311 that overlies a forwardly extending arm 312 pivoted at 313. The forward end of said arm is arranged to be engaged by the latch finger 194. Rigid with the arm 312 is an upwardly extending arm 312 having an angular end adapted to overlie a pin 312" on the stem 309 when the arm 312 is held by the latch 194. Rigid with the arm 312 is another downwardly extending arm 314 to which the forward end of the link 306 is pivoted at 314. A contractile spring 315 connected to the arm 314 tends to draw said arm forward. When the subtraction key is depressed the arm 314 is latched by the finger 194 against actuation by the spring 315; thus the subtraction key is held depressed and the link 306 is held in its rearward position, as shown in Figs. 20 and 21, so that through the medium of the lever 300 the links 141 and 141* are maintained in their upper position.

For the sake of simplicity, I will describe the 

